Angelman Today September / October edition 2013 | страница 2

EDITOR’S LETTER

Summer Time Ends School Year Begins
Summer is over and the kids are going back to school. Nathan (our Angel and youngest boy) is ready to enter kindergarten. We had our first IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting with the school district and a separate meeting with the school. It has been very interesting to say the least… Now, we have experienced the heart racing frustration that so many parents speak of. So, I have included some helpful links that have been given to me as I prepared for the meetings. We are parents and the best advocates for our children and young adults. I wish you all the very best as you plan the upcoming school year for your kids. Over the summer I also had the privilege of attending the Angelman Syndrome Foundations Biennial Conference and Scientific Symposium here in my own back yard of Orlando, Florida. There was so many fantastic speakers, many times I wished I had been able to sit in two conference rooms at the same time. The chosen topics were exactly what I wanted to learn about from communication, dietary therapy, LGIT, potty training and so much more. It was great to get information on actions I can take Today and start helping my son.

Nathan and I at the ASF conference welcome reception dinner sitting upfront listening to fellow Angel parent, Singer - Song writer Regie Hamm (not pictured)

With all the information I received, I was quickly reminded of all that I don’t know and have not yet implemented for Nathan. Intellectually I understand the quote “The more you learn, the less you know”, but this time I felt it and it really hit home. I experienced how difficult it can be to try and use a communication technique that I don’t understand or may not even like. I must admit it was heartbreaking and overwhelming. I am so grateful for the many options I have been made aware of by the families that have come before me and share their experiences with certain devices or services.
Now the journey continues as we find what Nathan likes and will be able to learn to use. Thanks to the support of my family, I was reminded to just take one day at a time. So I would like to pass that message onto you, as we learn and share ideas let’s take it one day at a time. Lizzie Sordia Editor in Chief

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September / October 2013